Record last updated 2024/05/10 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

The Advocacy Department is primarily responsible to support individuals served by Berkshire County Arc and their families identify areas of need and advocate on behalf of the individual and family in those areas.  The advocacy staff have the very important responsibility of initial contact with individuals and families at their request of services.  Quite often families will utilize the advocacy staff’s expertise for many years beyond the introductory intake of services. 

Advocacy services include:

• Intake Services;
• Educational Advocacy;
• Self Advocacy;
• Citizen Advocacy;
• Public Benefit Coordination;
• Human Rights;
• Family Advocacy;
• Respite Services;
• Information and Referral;
• Family Support Center serving Central & Southern Berkshire County;
• Adult Family Care Program;
• Family Resource Library;
• Spring & Summer Camps;
• Recreational activities for teenagers & young adults;
• Down Syndrome Family Support Group; and
• Berkshire County Arc Master Special Needs Pooled Trust & Berkshire County Arc Special Needs Family Pooled Trust

Berkshire County Arc first implemented a therapeutic recreation program for children with autism and other sensory processing disorders in 2006 through a mini-grant from the Department of Developmental Services.  Since that time, Berkshire County Arc has used fundraising and grants from private foundations to continue the program for approximately 20 children between the ages of 5 and 18.  Therapeutic recreation activities based on sensory integration techniques are used to assist children to learn new ways of processing information.  The program consists of one-hour sessions each Saturday morning.

Service Types

• After School Programs
• Case Management
• Disability Awareness
• Family Support
• Financial Assistance
• Job Training
• Self-Advocacy
• Skills Training
• Socialization Activities

Program Type

• Adult Foster Care
• Advocacy
• Counseling
• Education
• Financial Planning
• Legal
• Personal Care
• Respite
• Self-Advocacy Training
• Support Groups

Populations Served

• All Disabilities
• Developmental Disability
• Intellectual Disabilities

Ages Served

• Birth to 3
• 3 - 4
• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Medical Needs
• Near Public Transportation
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Accredited By: DDS, CARF
• Fees: Free Service, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS